PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Foundation opened the 2013 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowship on Wednesday, a program designed to provide seed money for ideas to solve persistent challenges in the Ocean State.

The program, which was started last year, is funded by John and Letitia Carter and provides two Rhode Islanders with up to $300,000 over three years to develop, test and implement innovative ideas that “have the potential to dramatically improve any area of life in Rhode Island,” according to the nonprofit.

“One year ago, we were able to transform the dreams of Letitia and John Carter into one of the Foundation’s boldest programs and the response from the community was extraordinary,” Neil Steinberg, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, said in a statement. “We hope that once again, Rhode Islanders will answer this call and use their enthusiasm, creativity and spirit to come up with new ideas about what can make our state better.”

This year’s fellowship will focus on an idea that is “greatest good for the greatest number,” meaning a small idea that has the potential to help the greatest number of Rhode Islanders.

Along with Steinberg, who will act as chair, the following group of Rhode Island leaders will serve on the fellowship selection panel:

Candidates interested in participating should submit an online application by Dec. 14. The selection panel will chose a group of semi-finalists to submit a more detailed application as well as a short video.

Business Women nominations are now open. Nominate women who are Leaders in their field, and Women to Watch, who have potential to be tomorrow's leaders. And, tell us of Career Achievers and Great Mentors! Deadline April 17th.

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